On 19 October 2026, the Basque Government announced in Donostia-San Sebastián the winners of the 2026 Gure-Artea awards. The awards go to Itziar Okariz (recognition of artistic career), Beatriz Olabarrieta (creative activity) and the space Kampai Espazioa (activity by different actors in the field of fine and visual arts). The awards ceremony is scheduled for 28 October 2026 at Tabakalera ; each award is worth 20.000 Euro .
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister for Culture Andoni Iturbe. According to the statement, these are the most important awards in Euskadi in the field of fine and visual arts. The jury for Gure Artea 2026 was chaired by curator and researcher Catalina Lozano Moreno; the other members were Ane Abalde Amezaga, Jon Mikel Euba Arrue, Josu Bilbao Ugalde and Miriam Alzuri Milanes. The winners and representatives of the recognised institution attended the press conference.
In its assessment of Itziar Okariz (1965, Donostia-San Sebastián), the jury highlighted a practice developed over more than thirty years, combining performance, actions, video, installations and written work. Her work was described as having a distinctive performative-conceptual approach; the jury cited rigour, coherence, a spirit of experimentation and a lasting influence on several generations of artists. Okariz’s international presence is evidenced, among other things, by appearances at institutions in Europe, America and Asia, as well as participation in the 58th Venice Biennale .
For Beatriz Olabarrieta (1979, Bilbao), the jury recognised an experimental artistic practice focused on materials and processes, in which objects and materials respond to situations and shift meanings. Kampai Espazioa was recognised for its work as an actor in the field of fine and visual arts; the jury highlighted the space’s role in production, exchange and strengthening the local ecosystem.
Attributed remarks and context: Deputy Minister for Culture Iturbe described the winners as an example of a diverse, robust and contemporary art system in the Basque Country. He also stressed the role of contemporary art in society’s understanding of itself and in fostering an open, plural identity, as well as the commitment of public institutions to artistic production, research and cultural actors. According to the account, the jury’s decisions were based on artistic criteria and impact in the field; no specific follow-up projects by the award recipients were announced.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).